Best for
- Teams already self-hosting or using Kaneo Cloud who want AI-client-driven task management
- Developers preferring a lightweight, open-source project management tool over Jira/Linear
I
io.github.usekaneo/kaneo
Official
Official MCP server for the Kaneo project management platform
GitHub source repository ↗
54FMRS · D
This is Kaneo's own official stdio MCP server, maintained alongside its open-source project management platform, enabling AI clients to manage tasks, projects, and labels; the exact tool list isn't documented, so credential setup and operation scope should be confirmed before use.
The official MCP server maintained by the Kaneo team, letting Claude and other MCP clients manage tasks, projects, and labels on a Kaneo instance. Kaneo is an open-source, self-hosted project management tool positioned as an alternative to Jira and Linear. The server ships as the @kaneo/mcp npm package and runs over stdio, connecting to a self-hosted or cloud Kaneo API.
Tools
The tool list has not been reviewed yet.
Setup
Run via npx: npx -y @kaneo/mcp. Optionally set KANEO_API_URL to point at your Kaneo API (defaults to http://localhost:1337); if KANEO_API_KEY is omitted, the server falls back to an interactive device-authorization flow, otherwise set KANEO_API_KEY (store it as a secret) for non-interactive auth. Add the corresponding command/args/env entry to your MCP client config (e.g. Claude Desktop) and restart the client. A running Kaneo instance is required beforehand (deployable via the official Docker Compose setup or the drim CLI).
claude_desktop_config.json
{"mcpServers":{"kaneo":{"command":"npx","args":["-y","@kaneo/mcp"],"env":{"KANEO_API_URL":"http://localhost:1337","KANEO_API_KEY":""}}}}
Fit and risk
Not for
- Users without a running Kaneo instance
- Anyone needing integration with other project management platforms (Jira, Linear, etc.) — this server only targets Kaneo
Required permissions
- Network access to the configured KANEO_API_URL
- Valid Kaneo credentials (API key or interactive device-authorization login)
- Per the manifest description, the ability to manage (create/modify) tasks, projects, and labels
Risks and side effects
- KANEO_API_KEY is a sensitive credential; if mishandled it could allow reading or modifying data in the connected Kaneo instance
- The manifest does not enumerate the specific tools/functions exposed, so the exact operation scope should be verified before granting broad write access
- If pointed at a self-hosted instance, that instance's own security posture (e.g. AUTH_SECRET, database access) also affects overall risk
Troubleshooting
- Verify the Kaneo instance is running and reachable at KANEO_API_URL (default port 1337)
- If KANEO_API_KEY is unset, confirm the interactive device-authorization login completes successfully
- Ensure the installed @kaneo/mcp version (e.g. 0.1.8) is compatible with the running Kaneo instance
- For connection issues, consult the repository's ENVIRONMENT_SETUP.md, particularly the CORS and environment variable guidance
Use cases
Letting an AI assistant create, query, or update tasks in Kaneo directly
Managing projects and kanban labels conversationally
Integrating Kaneo's task workflow into AI-driven tooling like Claude or Cursor
Supported clients
Claude DesktopFull support
CursorPartial support